Search
logo
Search
The article is in preview mode

Ferritin is the key to health and a healthy iron economy

Homepage Articles Ferritin is the key to health and a healthy iron economy

Ferritin is the key to health and a healthy iron economy

Ferritin is a key protein responsible for storing iron in the body, and its level is an important indicator of health. That's why it's worth taking a closer look at to understand why regular testing of its levels is so important and how to effectively increase its levels in the event of a deficiency. Although often overlooked, it plays a fundamental role in regulating the resources of this element, which is key to many metabolic processes such as breathing and energy production.

Table of Contents

1. English: extra_id_3> English: <extra_ed_4> English:

In this way ferritin provides a stable level of this element in the blood, protects against both iron deficiency and excess. In addition to this, it helps to minimize the risk of free radicals, thereby protecting tissues and organs from their destructive effects. Furthermore, iron is an essential component of many enzymes involved in energy conversion. Finazzi, P. Ferritin plays a key role in managing iron and maintaining the balance of the body's metabolism.

2. Why it's worth checking your ferritin levels, not just your iron

It should also be noted that low blood ferritin levels may be associated with other health problems such as inflammatory, infectious or chronic diseases. That is why regular monitoring of ferritine levels is key in monitoring therapy, especially in patients with iron deficiency anemia. It should not be forgotten that low ferritins can be linked to other health issues such as neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disease or metabolic disorders. Zhang et al. 2021). Ferritin is also a more sensitive indicator of possible blood deficiency levels because changes in its levels can lead to increased levels of iron resistance and, despite the occurrence of clinical symptoms, may be a key factor in ensuring that patients' health is better assessed by physicians.

3. What's the right ferritin level?

In men, the ferritin level should be 30300 ng/ml, whereas in pre-menopausal women this should fluctuate between 15200 ng/ ml (K. Eszyk, M. However, it should be noted that the lower limit of these standards is not optimal. Galetti et al. 2021). These values also vary by age and gender.

4. What a low level of ferritin indicates and how it manifests itself

People with low ferritin levels may also experience headaches and problems with concentration. Kumar et al. 2022).The most common symptoms include weakness, chronic fatigue, pale skin, and hair loss.This is also associated with increased susceptibility to infections and weakened immunity (A. Low ferretin levels can manifest as various symptoms that often indicate iron deficiency in the body.

5. What a high level of ferritin is and how it manifests itself

It is also worth noting that the causes of this condition can be many, e.g. excessive iron supplementation, liver disease, hemochromatosis (genetic iron absorption disorder), inflammatory conditions, and even cancers. Cullis et al. 2018). In the long run, it can even lead to organ damage, including the heart and liver, and increase the risk of serious diseases.

6. How to maintain proper ferritin levels with a diet

Its best sources are: red meat (meat, lamb, leafy vegetables) and legumes (e.g. in spinach or jam). The most important thing that it avoids is the richness of fish such as salmon or tuna. It is found among other things in the seeds of pulses (peanuts, potatoes, beans), nuts and seeds, the abundance of low-fat dairy products and green vegetables (i.e. spinaches or jams). The main thing that avoids them is the increased value of the products rich in salmon and tuna, as well as the high-fat quality of its citrus seeds. It also adds to the production of potato seeds and potato seed, but it can also be added to the raw products of the potato family, after the death of K. Huecker. It can be used to produce a number of fertilisers that are ready to be harvested in 2023.

7. Is it worth introducing an iron supplement?

Supplementation may also be necessary in situations of increased need for iron, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, heavy menstruation or intense physical exertion. In many cases, an adequate iron-rich diet is sufficient to maintain proper ferritin levels, and supplements should only be used when they are actually needed. It is indicated primarily for low ferretin levels that indicate too few stocks of this element in the body. It's important to have a blood test before introducing supplements because iron can lead to serious health complications. Iron supplementation can be beneficial, but should be used with caution and medical supervision.

Category:
Source

Cullis J.O. et al., British Society for Haematology. Investigation and management of a raised serum ferritin, „British Journal of Haematology” 2018, 181(3), 331–340.
Delimont N.M., Haub M.D., Lindshield B.L., The Impact of Tannin Consumption on Iron Bioavailability and Status: A Narrative Review, „Current Developments in Nutrition” 2017, 1(2), 1–12.
Ems T., St Lucia K., Huecker M.R., Biochemistry, Iron Absorption, epub 2023.
Finazzi D., Arosio P., Biology of ferritin in mammals: an update on iron storage, oxidative damage and neurodegeneration, „Archives of Toxicology” 2014, 88(10), 1787–802.
Galetti V. et al., Threshold ferritin and hepcidin concentrations indicating early iron deficiency in young women based on upregulation of iron absorption, “eClinicalMedicine” 2021, 39, 101052.
Georgieff M.K., Krebs N.F., Cusick S.E., The Benefits and Risks of Iron Supplementation in Pregnancy and Childhood, „Annual Review of Nutrition” 2019, 39, 121–146.
Krzyżowska K., Eszyk J., Gonciarz M., Ferritin – assessment of iron status and diagnostic value, „Lekarz POZ” 2020, 6(5), 272–277.
Kumar A. et al., Iron deficiency anaemia: pathophysiology, assessment, practical management, „BMJ Open Gastroenterology” 2022, 9(1), e000759.
NIH, Iron, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/#h6 (4.10.2024).
Piskin E. et al., Iron Absorption: Factors, Limitations, and Improvement Methods, „ACS Omega” 2022, 7(24), 20441–20456.
Zhang J. et al., Biochemistry of mammalian ferritins in the regulation of cellular iron homeostasis and oxidative responses, „Science China Life Sciences” 2021, 64(3), 352–362.